With Samuel Aspden, he sailed on the SS Grampian from Liverpool for Canada, arrived in Halifax on April 7, 1912. From Canada they made their way to Detroit, Michigan USA. Once they had settled John?s wife and Samuel?s wife and child joined them.

His regiment formed part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and he saw action on the western front. His life was cut short at the Battle of Hill 70 on the outskirts of Lens, France. His name is recorded on the Vimy Memorial.

For the history of the regiments ?The 13th Battalion Royal Highlanders of Canada, 1914-1919? was published in 1925 and contains a detailed account of the battle where John lost his life, see http://tinyurl.com/m9n2svl